Gout Author: Grace P. Teal, MD; Howard A. Fuchs, MD
Editorial changes - 2009-09-02
Author information and module status
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Follow-up

Establish a schedule of follow-up for patients with gout who are receiving ongoing drug treatment. Serum uric acid levels should be monitored to ensure that optimal levels are attained. B

  • Confirm rapid response of acute gouty attacks to drug treatment and change management if not effective.
  • Measure serum uric acid levels about 2 weeks after initiation of uric acid-lowering therapy to determine the effectiveness of the intervention and periodically thereafter to check for adherence to treatment.
  • Periodically review details of a low-purine diet.
  • Monitor for development of joint damage in patients with recurrent attacks and development of urate nephropathy and tophi in patients with ongoing hyperuricemia despite treatment.
Background

FAQs
Grace P. Teal, MD (deceased) has no financial relationships with pharmaceutical companies, biomedical device manufacturers, or health-care related organizations. Howard A. Fuchs, MD, is a consultant for TAP Pharmaceuticals.
Steven E. Weinberger, MD, FACP, Acting Editor, PIER, has stock holdings in Glaxosmithkline and Abbott.

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